Remote diagnostics of water distribution systems

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for performing diagnostics on water distribution systems (e.g., automated drip-line irrigation systems). Embodiments of the present invention can afford users with the ability to identify defective components based on the diagnostics. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide users with additional information in regard to potential causes and trends.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of waterdistribution systems, and more particularly to performing remotediagnostics on automated water distribution systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automated water distribution systems capable of automated monitoring,differential distribution, and performing remote diagnostics enables anadministrative user of a piping network to deliver water throughout thesystem with greater control, and easily identify defective components.The distribution system may operate in large spatial areas withthousands of valves arranged in complex networks (e.g., building pipinginfrastructures, hothouses, garden centers, agricultural lands, etc.).

One such implementation are variable rate water distribution systemswhich enable differential watering of crops for agricultural lands. Forexample, rarely are soil properties and crops (e.g., soil water holdingcapacity, types of crops, etc.) uniform throughout an entire targetwater distribution area. Variable rate water distribution systemsaddress the dynamic water demands of different soils and crops bydelivering a variable amount of water to different portions of thetarget water distribution area. For example, a drip irrigation systemmay contain multiple water carrying conduits that are positioned suchthat the conduits can irrigate many rows of crops. Each of carryingconduits can contain tens to hundreds of solenoid valves, such that asolenoid valve is actuated to initiate irrigation.

In water distribution systems, unintentional loss of water control oftenresults in undesirable, expensive, and dangerous outcomes. Furthermore,in variable rate water distribution systems, the control of water to thedifferent portions of the target water distribution area must becontrolled to ensure that the different needs of soil and crops arebeing met. Accordingly, constant and routine monitoring is typicallyrequired to ensure that water is being delivered to designated areas atthe appropriate quantity and time, however, such monitoring can be costineffective and/or difficult to implement.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, andprogram products for performing diagnostics on water distributionsystems. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising:transmitting, by one or more computer processors, a water distributionschedule to a plurality of control nodes of a water distribution system;determining, by one or more computer processors, whether the waterdistribution system is operating in accordance with the waterdistribution schedule; and responsive to determining that the waterdistribution system is not operating in accordance with the waterdistribution schedule, identifying, by one or more computer processors,defective components in the water distribution system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a water distribution environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for routinelymonitoring the water distribution system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for identifyingdefective zones in the water distribution system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for identifyingdefective valves, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a plurality of zones, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B are diagrams of a plurality of zones separated intosections, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for establishingtrends in the variable water distribution system, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of internal and external components of thecomputer systems of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, andcomputer program products for remotely performing diagnostics on a waterdistribution system. Embodiments of the present invention enableoperators to effectively identify the areas in the water distributionsystem, as well as provide operators with additional information inregard to potential causes and trends. Furthermore, embodiments of thepresent invention can help detect and identify the location of defectivecomponents of the water distribution system. Embodiments of the presentinvention can be deployed in, and are described in the context ofvariable rate irrigation building piping infrastructures, hothouses,garden centers, and agricultural lands.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of water distribution environment100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Waterdistribution environment 100 includes master computer system 120 andwater distribution system 110, which includes gateway computer systems112, all interconnected by network 130. Gateway computer systems 112 andmaster computer system 120 can be desktop computers, laptop computers,specialized computer servers, or any other computer systems known in theart. In certain embodiments, gateway computer systems 112 and mastercomputer system 120 represent computer systems utilizing clusteredcomputers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resourceswhen accessed through network 130. In certain embodiments, gatewaycomputer systems 112 and master computer system 120 represent virtualmachines. In general, gateway computer systems 112 and master computersystem 120 are representative of any electronic device, or combinationof electronic devices, capable of executing machine-readable programinstructions, as discussed in greater detail with regard to FIG. 8.

Master computer system 120 includes distribution program 122. In thisembodiment of the present invention, distribution program 122 issues awater distribution schedule to water distribution system 110, andreceives feedback data (e.g., data indicating compliance with waterdistribution schedules and/or any discrepancies) from water distributionsystem 110 via network 130. Distribution program 122 can analyzediscrepancies and transmit new instructions for remote diagnosticsand/or new water distribution schedules.

Water distribution system 110 comprises a hierarchical structure. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, the hierarchical structurecomprises one or more zones. The term “zone”, as used herein, refers toa grouping of one or more pressure sensors 118, one or more flow meters116, and one or more of additional components 119 (e.g., emitters, driplines, infrastructure, etc.) for a particular target water distributionarea, all of which are controlled by one of control nodes 114. Each ofgateway computer systems 112 can be operatively coupled (e.g., via wiredconnections, wireless connections, and/or combinations of both) tocontrol nodes 114 of one or more zones. The phrases, “target waterdistribution area” or “target water distribution areas”, as used herein,refers to desired areas for water distribution during the operation ofwater distribution system 110.

In this manner, upon receiving a water distribution schedule fromdistribution program 122, each of gateway computer systems 112 cancommunicate with one or more zones to facilitate water distribution ofthose particular target water distribution areas through drip lines, aswell as receive feedback data from those zones to transmit back todistribution program 122. The term “drip line,” as used herein, refersto one or more conduits (e.g., flexible or rigid tubes, pipes, etc.)through which liquids can be transported between two or more componentsof a system. Each drip line may comprise one or more emitters throughwhich liquid is dispensed. For example, emitters may comprise holes ornozzles disposed along the lengths of the drip lines.

Control nodes 114 receive and execute instructions from gateway computersystems 112 to actuate (i.e., open and close) valves. In this embodimentof the present invention, control nodes 114 also receive flow responsefeedback information from flow meters 116 and pressures sensors 118, andtransmit the flow response feedback information to gateway computersystems 112. Each of control nodes 114 may comprise one or moreelectronic circuits (e.g., a microcontroller or other computer system)operatively coupled with a valve, one or more flow meters 116, and oneor more pressure sensors 118. The electronic circuits of each of controlnodes 114 may also be operatively coupled with other components, such asa control panel to facilitate input of control information. The valveoperatively coupled to each of control nodes 114 may be operatedelectromechanically through a solenoid (e.g., a three-port solenoidvalve).

Control nodes 114 can be operatively coupled to one or more othercontrol nodes 114 in order to relay data (e.g., flow response feedbackinformation). For example, as discussed in greater detail later in thisspecification, control nodes 114 may be operatively coupled to oneanother in series and/or in parallel to relay data to and from gatewaycomputer systems 112. In general, control nodes 114 may comprise anywired or wireless networking technologies known in the art (e.g., mesh,series/parallel, etc.) to facilitate transfer of data with other controlnodes 114 and with gateway computer systems 112.

Flow meters 116 can measure volumetric flow of liquid through one ormore drip lines at a specified interval. In this embodiment, each offlow meters 116 is deployed for a particular zone and measures the totalvolumetric flow of liquid through the one or more drip lines within thatzone. Flow meters 116 may transmit flow feedback response information tooperatively coupled control nodes 114. For example, flow meters 116 canmeasure changes in flow behavior, and sample flow rates at least every15 minutes at a minimum resolution of 0.01 gallons per minute. Flowmeters 116 may be implemented with mechanical flow meters, pressurebased flow meters, optical flow meters, thermal mass flow meters and/orany other flow meter known in the art. In another embodiment of thepresent invention, each of flow meters 116 monitors multiple waterdistribution conduits (e.g., supply lines, drip lines, etc.) that branchout from a central point. The central point may be an area where supplylines are operatively connected to supply lines. Furthermore, waterdistribution conduits that may branch from other water distributionconduits create complex arrangements and distribution for each one offlow meters 116 to monitor.

Pressure sensors 118 can measure pressure of liquid within one or moredrip lines at a specified interval. In this embodiment, each of pressuresensors 118 is deployed for a particular zone, and measures the pressureof liquid within one or more drip lines within that zone. For example,one of pressure sensors 118 may be deployed for every six drip lines,every four drip lines, every two drip lines, or each individual dripline, depending on the desired granularity of pressure measurementswithin each zone. Pressure sensors 118 transmit flow response feedbackinformation with regard to pressure to the control nodes 114 to whichthey are operatively coupled. For example, pressure sensors 118 canmeasure pressure changes and changes in flow behavior every 5milliseconds at a minimum resolution of 0.1 pounds per square inch.Pressure sensors 118 may be implemented with force collector types ofpressure sensors (e.g., capacitive, electromagnetic, etc.), or any othertype of electronic pressure sensor known in the art. A combination ofpressure sensors 118 may be used to measure static pressure changes andtransient changes within water distribution system 110.

In general, pressure sensors 118, flow meters 116, and/or any othercombination of sensing devices (i.e., sensors, meters, and combinationsthereof, can be considered sensing points) can be deployed in a mannersuch that the sensing points are distributed on a uniform grid (i.e., aplot of land). Each sensing point can monitor valves that are disposedwithin a proximity of the sensing point throughout water distributionsystem 110.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, one of flow meters 116and/or one of pressure sensors 118 does not accurately monitor the flowresponse feedback information during an operation of the waterdistribution system. An observable volumetric flow may be below thedetection limit of one of flow meters 116, and/or the observablepressure change may be below the detection limit of one or more pressuresensors 118. For example, in another instance, one or more of flowmeters 116 and/or one or more pressures sensors 118 may be defective ornon-operable. In these embodiments of the present invention,distribution program 122 uses a collection of resources from one or moreflow sensors 116 and one or more pressure sensors 118 to facilitate themonitoring of the flow response feedback information. Additionally,distribution program 122 may transmit instructions comprising commandsto monitor a particular water distribution area for an extended amountof time until either one or more flow meters 116 or one or more pressuresensors 118 can accurately monitor the flow response feedbackinformation. For example, for methods to detect defective zones andvalves, as described in greater detail with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4, aplurality of flow sensors 116 and pressure sensors 118 are employed. Incertain embodiments of the present invention, during an operation todetect defective zones and valves, one or more flow meters 116 may notaccurately monitor the flow response feedback information. In order toaffirmatively establish that a particular zone or valve is defective,then distribution program 122 may utilize one or more pressure sensors118 and analyze transient pressure responses to determine whether thetarget water distribution area is defective. As described in greaterdetail with regard to FIG. 3, the transient pressure responses areresponses from sequentially opening and closing additional components119 (e.g., valves).

Additional components 119 can collectively represent other components ofwater distribution system 110 that make up an infrastructure of waterdistribution system 110, and otherwise facilitate operation thereof. Forexample, in this embodiment of the present invention, additionalcomponents 119 include emitters, drip lines, and miscellaneous conduits,connectors, and other valves not specifically discussed herein (e.g.,check valves in drip lines to prevent backflow of liquid). Additionalcomponents 119 can also include additional types of sensors to monitorleaks (e.g., soil moisture sensors, optical sensors, etc.).

It should be appreciated that for illustrative purposes, FIG. 1 does notshow other computer systems and elements which may be present whenimplementing embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 illustrating operational steps fordistribution program 122 to monitor water distribution system 110, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 202, distribution program 122 transmits a water distributionschedule to gateway computer systems 112 via network 130. Distributionprogram 122 may receive the water distribution schedule from a user, aremote server, or it may be stored within a repository of distributionprogram 122. In this embodiment, the water distribution schedulecomprises one or more instructions that instruct control nodes 114 toactuate (i.e., open or close) valves at specified times and forspecified durations. Each water distribution schedule can be associatedwith expected flow behavior of water distribution system 110, whichrepresents the flow behavior that should be observed if waterdistribution system 110 is operating properly according to the waterdistribution schedule. In various embodiments of the present invention,expected flow behavior is based on theoretical models, historicalmodels, experimental results, and/or combinations thereof.

In step 204, distribution program 122 initiates flow of liquid throughwater distribution system 110. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, distribution program 122 initiates flow by signaling gatewaycomputer systems 112 to transmit the water distribution scheduleinstructions to control nodes 114.

In step 206, distribution program 122 monitors flow meters 116 andpressure sensors 118 for each zone. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, each of gateway computer systems 112 receives flow feedbackresponse information corresponding to flow behavior of a plurality ofcontrol nodes 114, and transmits aggregate flow feedback responseinformation to distribution program 122 via network 130, whichdistribution program 122 then uses to monitor flow meters 116 andpressure sensors 118.

In step 208, distribution program 122 compares the expected flowbehavior for the water distribution schedule to the flow feedbackresponse information received for each of control nodes 114 on aper-zone basis. In another embodiment of the present invention, gatewaycomputer systems 112 compares the water distribution schedule to flowresponse feedback information and transmits the comparison results todistribution program 122. Designating gateway computer systems 112 toperform the comparison may reduce the computational load of distributionprogram 122. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, controlnodes 114 compares the water distribution schedule to flow feedbackresponse information and transmits the comparison results to gatewaycomputer systems 112 to reduce the computational load on distributionprogram 122 and gateway computer systems 112.

In step 210, distribution program 122 determines whether there is adiscrepancy between the expected flow behavior for the waterdistribution schedule and the flow feedback response informationreceived from gateway computer systems 112. For example, a discrepancyis detected if there are one or more defective valves (e.g., stuck openor closed), leaking fittings, clogged emitters, and/or excessive amountsof foreign material in drip lines (e.g., soil). The discrepancy may be aresult of a departure of the measured flow behaviors to expected flowbehaviors, which can be detected by distribution program 122. In oneembodiment, distribution program 122 employs pipeline modeling software(e.g., EPANET) to assess a reservoir, water flow, pressure distribution,and steady state leaks in water distribution system 110. Distributionprogram 122 may also employ model flow relationships (i.e., calculatedusing Navier, Stokes, and Bernoulli equations) to more frequentlymonitor transient behavior. For example, distribution program 122 mayuse the model flow relationships to determine expected flow behaviorsresulting from pressure changes in drip lines (e.g., if a valve isopened, local pressure might drop by 10 Pa) and reflections of pressurewaves from components in water distribution system 110 (e.g., walls,drip-lines, closed solenoid valves, check valves etc.).

If, in step 210, distribution program 122 does not detect a discrepancybetween water distribution schedule and flow feedback responseinformation, then, in step 212, distribution program 122 may receive anew water distribution schedule. For example, a new water distributionschedule may include new command instructions for control nodes 114,resulting in a new expected flow behavior for the new water distributionschedule.

If, in step 210, distribution program 122 detects a discrepancy, then instep 214, distribution program 122 identifies defective zones andvalves. In this embodiment, distribution program 122 may transmit newinstructions to gateway computer systems 112 to change the flow behaviorin certain zones and use the flow response feedback information toidentify defective zones and valves by process of eliminationtechniques. Identification of defective zones and valves is discussed ingreater detail with regard to FIGS. 3 and 4.

If, in step 212, distribution program 122 receives a new schedule, then,in step 202, master computer system will transmit the new waterdistribution schedule to water distribution system 110.

If, in step 212, distribution program 122 does not receive a newschedule, then, in step 206, distribution program 122 continues tomonitor flow meters 116 and pressure sensors 118. Thus, a feedback loopcan be employed by distribution program 122 to continually comparemeasured flow response feedback information with the water distributionschedule.

In step 216, distribution program 122 establishes one or more rootcauses of the discrepancy detected in water distribution system 110. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, distribution program 122establishes root causes by analyzing flow response feedback informationcontaining the one or more discrepancies, and comparing the flowresponse feedback information to a library of historical ortheoretically modeled flow response feedback information patterns. Forexample, if distribution program 122 identifies a matching pattern inthe library, the root cause of the current discrepancy may be the same.In another embodiment of the present invention, distribution program 122analyzes flow response feedback information to confirm that acommunication problem is not causing, or contributing to, thediscrepancy.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, flow response feedbackinformation patterns does not comport with the library. In this case,distribution program 122 may model and analyze the flow responsefeedback pattern, and determine the flow response feedback pattern thatmost closely matches a pattern in the library. In another embodiment ofthe present invention, if a matching pattern is not found, distributionprogram 122 saves the pattern for future comparisons.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 illustrating operational steps fordistribution program 122 to identify defective zones in waterdistribution system 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. For example, the operational steps of FIG. 3 may be performedby distribution program 122 at step 214 of FIG. 2.

In step 302, distribution program 122 transmits instructions to controlnodes 114. The instructions may comprise command logic to divide thetotal number of zones in water distribution system 110 to gatewaycomputer systems 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, gatewaycomputer systems 112 transmit command logic to control nodes 114 todivide the total number of zones into two sections.

In step 304, distribution program 122 receives flow feedback responseinformation from flow meters 116 and pressure sensors 118 of the zonesof each section. In an embodiment of the present invention, distributionprogram 122 receives aggregate flow feedback response information fromgateway computer systems 112.

In step 306, distribution program 122 analyzes each section anddetermines whether a discrepancy is detected between expected flowbehavior for the water distribution schedule and the flow feedbackresponse information received by control nodes 114 for that section.

If, in step 306, distribution program 122 does not detect a discrepancyin that section of water distribution system 110, then that section maynot contain a discrepancy. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, distribution program 122 does not detect a discrepancybecause the flow behavior is below the detection limit for flow meters116 and pressure sensors 118.

If, in step 306, distribution program 122 detects a discrepancy in thatsection, then in step 308, distribution program 122 will determinewhether the identified section contains more than one zone. In anembodiment of the present invention, more than one discrepancy aredetected in zones of more than one section. Thus, if in step 306,distribution program 122 detects discrepancies in multiple sections,distribution program 122 may proceed with subsequent processing of thesections in parallel, in series, or combinations thereof. The expectedflow behavior or some other acceptable threshold during the operation inaccordance with the distribution schedule can be determinedtheoretically, experimentally, and/or using combinations of bothtechniques.

If, in step 308, distribution program 122 determines that the identifiedsection does contain more than one zone, then in step 314 masterdistribution program 122 divides the zones in that identified sectioninto two sections, each section comprising a whole number of zones. Instep 304, continues to measure and compare expected flow behavior forthe water distribution schedule to the flow response feedbackinformation for each section. For example, if in step 308 three zonesare detected, then distribution program 122 may divide three zones intotwo sections (one section comprising two zones and the second sectioncomprising the other one zone).

If, in step 308, distribution program 122 determines there is one zonein the identified section, then in step 310, distribution program 122will localize the defective zone.

In step 312, distribution program 122 alarms an operator and/orestablishes a trend for the defective zone. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, distribution program 122 visually displays the zonelocation on a map, includes a timestamp, and monitors its performanceand provides metrics (i.e., gallons of wasted water). Distributionprogram 122 may establish a trend by accessing models of behavior thatdescribe defective situations (e.g., non-responsive valve, impurity insystem, broken pipe, etc.) as later specified in FIG. 5. Establishing atrend may expedite the process for an administrative user to locate oridentify a defective area in water distribution system 110, as well asprovide real-time predications of reasons for defective areas in waterdistribution system 110.

For example, water distribution system 110 may have a total of 12 zones,12 control nodes and 12 solenoid valves. Distribution program 122 mayperform operational step 302, and divides the number of total zones (12zones) into two sections (i.e., section “1A” and “1B”). Section 1A andsection 1B have 6 zones each. In step 306, distribution program 122 maydetermine that section 1A has a discrepancy in flow behavior. In step308, distribution program 122 can determine that if the number of zonesin section 1A does not equate to one, accordingly, in step 314, waterdistribution computer 119 divides section 1A into two more sections(i.e., section “1AB” and section “1AC”). If section 1AB or section 1ACthen have discrepancies, distribution program 122 can iteratively dividethe section until no more than one zone remains in each section, therebylocalizing one or more defective zones.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 illustrating operational steps fordistribution program 122 to identify defective zones and valves in waterdistribution system 110. For example, the operational steps of FIG. 4may be performed by distribution program 122 at step 214 of FIG. 2.

In step 402, distribution program 122 identifies defective zones inwater distribution system 110. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, distribution program 122 analyzes flow meters 116 flowresponse feedback information, compares expected flow behavior for thewater distribution schedule to the flow response feedback information,and identifies discrepancies between the two.

In step 404, distribution program 122 receives responses of pressuresensors 118 from zones identified in step 402. Responses of pressuresensors 118 may include information pertaining to the systematic processof opening and closing valves in water distribution system 110. In anembodiment of the present invention, distribution program 122 receivesflow response feedback information of pressure sensors 118 from gatewaycomputer systems 112. Additionally, distribution program 122 can compareexpected flow behavior in regard to pressure and with flow responsefeedback information with respect to pressure.

In step 406, distribution program 122 identifies pressure sensors 118 inwater distribution system 110 with one or more discrepancies. In thisembodiment of the present invention, pressure sensors 118 may receiveflow feedback response information that differs from the expected flowbehavior, in accordance with the distribution schedule for the waterdistribution system operation. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, defective valves transmits signals to control nodes withgreater amounts of control noise. Accordingly, distribution program 122can analyze signal-to-noise ratios for the information received from thecontrol nodes to identify defective valves.

In step 408, distribution program 122 identifies valves that are capableof affecting the pressures at identified pressure sensors 118 in step406. In another embodiment of the present invention, distributionprogram 122 receives valve identification information for defectivepressure sensors 118 from gateway computer systems 112.

In step 410, distribution program 122 identifies one or more defectivevalves. In an embodiment of the present invention, distribution program122 identifies defective valves by analyzing and processing pressureenvelopes for each valve in step 408 associated with pressure sensors118 detected in step 404. The term “pressure envelope”, as used herein,refers to a curve outlining extremes in amplitude of pressure variationsmeasured by a pressure sensor over a certain time domain. For example, apressure envelope for a particular sensor may describe the pressurevariations measured by the sensor over a time domain ranging fromactuating (i.e., opening/closing) an associated valve to the pressuresensor reaching a steady state. Typically, the pressure responses ofpressure sensors 118 will result in distinct pressure envelopesdepending on which valves are open and/or closed. Accordingly, a libraryof expected pressure envelopes can be stored for different combinationsof valves being open and closed and, in step 410, distribution program122 can compare the current pressure envelope for each valve to thelibrary to identify one or more valves whose pressure envelopes do notmatch their expected pressure envelopes. The operational steps performedby distribution program 122 in FIG. 4 may be performed for eachidentified defective zone sequentially or simultaneously for multipledefective zones.

FIG. 5 is a diagram that provides an example of zones in waterdistribution system 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. In this example, a plurality of pressure sensors 118 (e.g.,Pressure Sensor D3) are disposed throughout each zone (e.g., Zone A,Zone B, Zone C, and/or Zone D). The number and location of pressuresensors 118 and flow meters 116 may be modified. In certain embodiments,the number and location of pressure sensors 118 and flow meters 116 aredetermined by deploying the minimum number of pressure sensors 118 andflow meters 116 required to establish detection zones that cover allportions of the target irrigation area, while minimizing overlap ofdetection zones and ensuring that each of the sensors operates at asignal to noise ratio of at least one. Pressure sensors 118 and flowmeters 116 may be deployed in the drip lines or in a supply line where adouble drip line system is employed.

FIGS. 6A-6B provide an illustrative example of distribution program 122performing operational steps as specified earlier in this specificationwith regard to FIG. 3, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In FIG. 6A, distribution program 122 divides the total zones(i.e., zones A, B, C, and D) into two sections, as specified in step302. Section 1 comprises zones A and B; section 2 comprises zones C andD. Then, distribution program 122 measures flow response feedbackinformation (e.g., flow rates, gauge pressure, etc.) in section 1 andsubsequently in section 2, as specified in step 304. Distributionprogram 122 can detect a discrepancy in section two (in FIG. 6Airrigation valve C3 in zone C is bolded to represent a defective valve),as specified in step 306. Then, distribution program 122 may determinethe number of zones in the identified section with a discrepancy. Inthis exemplary embodiment, section 2 has two zones. The number of zonesin section 2 is greater than one, so distribution program 122 can dividethe zones into two more sections (section 3 and section 4) asillustrated in FIG. 6B, and as specified in step 314. Distributionprogram 122 can measure flow response feedback information in section 3and subsequently in section 4, as described in step 304. Then,distribution program 122 may detect a discrepancy in section 3. Asdescribed in step 308, distribution program 122 determines that thenumber of zones in section 3 is equal to one and, accordingly,distribution program 122 may proceed with subsequent processing.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 illustrating the operational steps forestablishing trends in water distribution system 110, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. Trend establishment may beperformed after distribution program 122 identifies a defective zone orvalve. For example, the operational steps of FIG. 7 may be performed bydistribution program 122 at step 312 of FIG. 3. In another embodiment,gateway computer systems 112 establishes trends in water distributionsystem 110.

In step 702, distribution program 122 analyzes the flow behavior foreach defective zone. In another embodiment, gateway computer systems 112may analyze the flow behavior for their respective defective zones.

In step 704, distribution program 122 compares flow response feedbackinformation for a defective zone to entries of a library of expectedflow behavior for a water distribution schedule to simulate differentcauses for discrepancies (i.e., trends).

In step 706, distribution program 122 determines whether the flowresponse feedback information for the defective zone matches an entry ofthe library of expected flow behavior for the water distributionschedule.

If, in step 706, distribution program 122 does not find an entry of thelibrary of expected flow behavior for the water distribution schedulematching flow response feedback information for the defective zonematches, then in step 708, distribution program 122 establishescommunication to control nodes 114.

If, in step 706, distribution program 122 matches an entry of thelibrary of expected flow behavior for the water distribution schedulematching flow response feedback information for the defective zone, thenin step 710, distribution program 122 alerts an operator signaling thetrend that was established.

In step 708, distribution program 122 determines that the communicativenetwork of water distribution system 110 is not defective. Distributionprogram 122 may establish communication in order to eliminatecommunication-related issues as a possible reason for a defective areain water distribution system 110.

In step 712, distribution program 122 tracks the problem for a userspecified amount of time. In an embodiment, distribution program 122visually displays the zone location on a map, includes a timestamp, andmonitors its performance and provides metrics (i.e., gallons of wastedwater).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of internal and external components of acomputer system 800, which is representative the computer systems ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that FIG. 8 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Ingeneral, the components illustrated in FIG. 8 are representative of anyelectronic device capable of executing machine-readable programinstructions. Examples of computer systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be represented by the components illustrated inFIG. 8 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems,server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, laptop computersystems, tablet computer systems, cellular telephones (e.g., smartphones), multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, networkPCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributedcloud computing environments that include any of the above systems ordevices.

Computer system 800 includes communications fabric 802, which providesfor communications between one or more processors 804, memory 806,persistent storage 808, communications unit 812, and one or moreinput/output (I/O) interfaces 814. Communications fabric 802 can beimplemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/orcontrol information between processors (such as microprocessors,communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheraldevices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example,communications fabric 802 can be implemented with one or more buses.

Memory 806 and persistent storage 808 are computer-readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 806 includes random access memory(RAM) 816 and cache memory 818. In general, memory 806 can include anysuitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media.Software is stored in persistent storage 808 for execution and/or accessby one or more of the respective processors 804 via one or more memoriesof memory 806.

Persistent storage 808 may include, for example, a plurality of magnetichard disk drives. Alternatively, or in addition to magnetic hard diskdrives, persistent storage 808 can include one or more solid state harddrives, semiconductor storage devices, read-only memories (ROM),erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROM), flash memories, or anyother computer-readable storage media that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 808 can also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive can be used for persistent storage 808.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer-readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage808.

Communications unit 812 provides for communications with other computersystems or devices via a network (e.g., network 130). In thisembodiment, communications unit 812 includes network adapters orinterfaces such as a TCP/IP adapter cards, wireless Wi-Fi interfacecards, or 3G or 4G wireless interface cards or other wired or wirelesscommunication links. The network can comprise, for example, copperwires, optical fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. Software and data usedto practice embodiments of the present invention can be downloadedthrough communications unit 812 (e.g., via the Internet, a local areanetwork or other wide area network). From communications unit 812, thesoftware and data can be loaded onto persistent storage 808.

One or more I/O interfaces 814 allow for input and output of data withother devices that may be connected to computer system 800. For example,I/O interface 814 can provide a connection to one or more externaldevices 820 such as a keyboard, computer mouse, touch screen, virtualkeyboard, touch pad, pointing device, or other human interface devices.External devices 820 can also include portable computer-readable storagemedia such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magneticdisks, and memory cards. I/O interface 814 also connects to display 822.

Display 822 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and can be,for example, a computer monitor. Display 822 can also be an incorporateddisplay and may function as a touch screen, such as a built-in displayof a tablet computer.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for performing diagnostics on a waterdistribution system, the method comprising: transmitting, by one or morecomputer processors, a water distribution schedule to a plurality ofcontrol nodes of a water distribution system; determining, by one ormore computer processors, whether the water distribution system isoperating in accordance with the water distribution schedule; andresponsive to determining that the water distribution system is notoperating in accordance with the water distribution schedule,identifying, by one or more computer processors, defective components inthe water distribution system.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thewater distribution schedule comprises one or more instructions for oneor more control nodes to actuate a valve operatively coupled to a dripline.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining, by one or morecomputer processors, whether the water distribution system is operatingin accordance with the water distribution schedule: receiving, by one ormore computer processors, flow response feedback information measured bya plurality of sensors; and determining, by one or more computerprocessors, whether the flow response feedback information comports withexpected flow behavior associated with the water distribution schedule.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the water distribution systemcomprises a plurality of zones, each zone comprising a grouping ofportion of the plurality of control nodes, one or more pressure sensors,one or more flow meters, and one or more drip lines for a particulartarget water distribution area.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinidentifying, by one or more computer processors, defective components inthe system comprises: receiving, by one or more computer processors,flow response feedback information from the one or more pressure sensorsand one or more flow meters of each zone; comparing, by one or morecomputer processors, the flow response feedback information receivedfrom the one or more pressure sensors and one or more flow meters ofeach zone with expected flow behavior associated with the waterdistribution schedule; identifying as defective, by one or more computerprocessors, each zone for which received flow response feedbackinformation does not comport with expected flow behavior associated withthe water distribution schedule; and identifying, by one or morecomputer processors, a defective valve of each defective zone.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein identifying, by one or more computerprocessors, a defective valve of each defective zone comprises:generating a pressure envelope, by one or more computer processors, fora first pressure sensor within a defective zone; determining, by one ormore computer processors, whether the generated pressure envelopematches a pressure envelope stored in a library of pressure envelopes;and responsive to determining that the generated pressure envelopematches a pressure envelope stored in the library of pressure envelopes,identifying the first pressure sensor as defective.
 7. A computerprogram product for performing diagnostics on a water distributionsystem, the computer program product comprising: one or more computerreadable storage media and program instructions stored on the one ormore computer readable storage media, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to transmit a water distributionschedule to a plurality of control nodes of a water distribution system;program instructions to determine whether the water distribution systemis operating in accordance with the water distribution schedule; andprogram instructions to, responsive to determining that the waterdistribution system is not operating in accordance with the waterdistribution schedule, identify defective components in the system. 8.The computer program product of claim 7, wherein the water distributionschedule comprises one or more instructions for one or more controlnodes to actuate a valve operatively coupled to a drip line.
 9. Thecomputer program product of claim 7, wherein the program instructions todetermine whether the water distribution system is operating inaccordance with the water distribution schedule comprise: programinstructions to receive flow response feedback information measured by aplurality of sensors; and program instructions to determine whether theflow response feedback information comports with expected flow behaviorassociated with the water distribution schedule.
 10. The computerprogram product of claim 7, wherein the water distribution systemcomprises a plurality of zones, each zone comprising a grouping ofportion of the plurality of control nodes, one or more pressure sensors,one or more flow meters, and one or more drip lines for a particulartarget water distribution area.
 11. The computer program product ofclaim 7, wherein the program instructions to identify defectivecomponents in the system comprise: program instructions to receive flowresponse feedback information from the one or more pressure sensors andone or more flow meters of each zone; program instructions to comparethe flow response feedback information received from the one or morepressure sensors and one or more flow meters of each zone with expectedflow behavior associated with the water distribution schedule; programinstructions to identify as defective each zone for which received flowresponse feedback information does not comport with expected flowbehavior associated with the water distribution schedule; and programinstructions to identify a defective valve of each defective zone. 12.The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the programinstructions to identify a defective valve of each defective zonecomprise: program instructions to generate a pressure envelope for afirst pressure sensor within a defective zone; program instructions todetermine whether the generated pressure envelope matches a pressureenvelope stored in a library of pressure envelopes; and programinstructions to, responsive to determining that the generated pressureenvelope matches a pressure envelope stored in the library of pressureenvelopes, identify the first pressure sensor as defective.
 13. Acomputer system for performing diagnostics on a water distributionsystem, the computer system comprising: one or more computer processors;one or more computer readable storage media; program instructions storedon the computer readable media for execution by at least one of the oneor more processors, the program instructions comprising: programinstructions to transmit a water distribution schedule to a plurality ofcontrol nodes of a water distribution system; program instructions todetermine whether the water distribution system is operating inaccordance with the water distribution schedule; and programinstructions to, responsive to determining that the water distributionsystem is not operating in accordance with the water distributionschedule, identify defective components in the system.
 14. The computersystem of claim 13, wherein the water distribution schedule comprisesone or more instructions for one or more control nodes to actuate avalve operatively coupled to a drip line.
 15. The computer system ofclaim 13, wherein the program instructions to determine whether thewater distribution system is operating in accordance with the waterdistribution schedule comprise: program instructions to receive flowresponse feedback information measured by a plurality of sensors; andprogram instructions to determine whether the flow response feedbackinformation comports with expected flow behavior associated with thewater distribution schedule.
 16. The computer system of claim 13,wherein the water distribution system comprises a plurality of zones,each zone comprising a grouping of portion of the plurality of controlnodes, one or more pressure sensors, one or more flow meters, and one ormore drip lines for a particular target water distribution area.
 17. Thecomputer system of claim 13, wherein the program instructions toidentify defective components in the system comprise: programinstructions to receive flow response feedback information from the oneor more pressure sensors and one or more flow meters of each zone;program instructions to compare the flow response feedback informationreceived from the one or more pressure sensors and one or more flowmeters of each zone with expected flow behavior associated with thewater distribution schedule; program instructions to identify asdefective each zone for which received flow response feedbackinformation does not comport with expected flow behavior associated withthe water distribution schedule; and program instructions to identify adefective valve of each defective zone.
 18. The computer system of claim17, wherein the program instructions to identify a defective valve ofeach defective zone comprise: program instructions to generate apressure envelope for a first pressure sensor within a defective zone;program instructions to determine whether the generated pressureenvelope matches a pressure envelope stored in a library of pressureenvelopes; and program instructions to, responsive to determining thatthe generated pressure envelope matches a pressure envelope stored inthe library of pressure envelopes, identify the first pressure sensor asdefective.